Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1497 - 514: The True Knight (Part 3)

Previously on Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys...

Rein, transformed into a dark silver Three Heads Extremely Old Dragon and empowered by Menia’s bloodline, engages the avatars of the Nether Sea Goddess Hela in a fierce aerial battle. By manifesting multiple Red Dragon heads, Rein executes the devastating Molten Core Flame technique, unleashing a blast of true damage that obliterates Hela’s final avatar and her localized consciousness. Amidst the destruction, Rein discovers a mysterious mermaid body emitting high-quality energy, which he begins to absorb to rapidly expand his Spirit. Even as his power swells, he urgently prepares to extract Menia’s consciousness from his own body to ensure her survival.

However, if this plan was to be executed, a secure location needed to be secured for a brief duration.

"Hmm? An underground river? A cavern?" Rein suddenly noticed that the previous combat had torn a massive crater into the earth, from which a heavy torrent of water was now erupting.

Acting on a quick impulse, Rein plunged downward. With a resonant splash, he dived into the flow, and after navigating a cramped tunnel for several seconds, he surfaced within a space that resembled a subterranean grotto.

The area was filled with dark lakes and hidden rivers, though none were particularly vast, and the air felt significantly warmer than the world above. It appeared that this void had been formed by an ancient underwater volcanic eruption.

Rein performed a rapid sweep of the surroundings, spotting only harmless small fish and no predatory threats. Without delay, he laid Menia’s body down upon a relatively flat, massive boulder.

He immediately commenced the process of separation.

"Ah!!!"

As Rein began the genuine effort to extract Menia’s bloodline and spiritual essence—which had already fused nearly halfway with his own—a sensation like having his spine forcibly ripped out surged through his body, agonizing every nerve.

In the following instant, Rein successfully wrenched Menia’s translucent spiritual form and a pool of shimmering golden-red blood from his own being, swiftly pressing them back into her graceful, mature human frame.

"Whew~~"

Though the procedure had lasted only moments, Rein’s brow was saturated with perspiration, and a wave of exhaustion washed over him.

This reaction was expected, given that he had just received an immense 'infusion.' By returning everything to its rightful owner, Rein naturally felt a hollow void within. Nonetheless, because he had processed a significant portion of the Divine Power Essence during the descent of the Nether Sea Goddess Hela, Rein still retained a substantial level of enhancement.

Rein cast a glance at his system interface:

Spirit: 272 (Qualitative 61%)

"The qualitative rate has climbed from 34% to 61%, signifying my official advancement into the late stage of the Dawn Wizard. Excellent."

Through the course of this conflict, Rein had unexpectedly reached the power level of a veteran Imperial Guardian like the 'Red Queen' Menia.

Before he could fully contemplate his progress, however, a muffled groan from a mature woman drifted from the large rock beside him.

"Prince Menia, how are you feeling?" Rein asked, immediately turning his gaze toward her.

"Rein, did we emerge victorious?" Menia asked, clutching her pale forehead, her lovely features still showing signs of lingering pain and pallor.

"We won."

Having just endured that same soul-tearing agony, Rein understood exactly the level of pain Menia was suffering. Setting aside formal etiquette, he moved forward at once to offer her physical support.

Observing her closely, Rein truly realized how stunning Menia's face was. Usually, she suppressed her smiles to uphold her own dignity and the authority of the Royal Family.

"Rein, I never imagined you could overcome the Nether Sea Goddess Hela so swiftly. Even more so, that you would choose to restore my consciousness to my body after the battle."

Menia stared at Rein with her striking eyes, as if attempting to peer into his very soul.

After all, ninety-nine percent of individuals, when offered her Dragon Blood Essence and Consciousness Essence for such a massive surge in power, would have greedily kept it to bolster themselves.

Choosing to risk a loss of strength to separate her bloodline and consciousness once more was a choice almost no one would make.

Furthermore, this was only possible because Rein had defeated the Nether Sea Goddess with such speed; had the fusion been allowed to persist any longer, a separation would have been nearly impossible.

"Rein, by absorbing my spirit and bloodline, your personal power would have been significantly magnified."

"I appreciate the thought, Prince Menia, but I once came across a certain proverb."

"Oh?" Menia looked at Rein with newfound curiosity, seemingly intent on hearing his perspective.

"It is said that if a person loses their wealth, they have actually lost nothing; if they lose their strength, they have lost something; but if a person loses their character, they have lost everything," Rein explained in a measured tone.

"Character, is it? I see. Rein, the one who spoke those words must have been a true knight," Menia remarked with a nod of deep appreciation.

"And so are you!"

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